Daily HealthBeat Tip

Time�s running out.

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Time is running out to enroll for Medicares Part D prescription drug benefit. May 15th is the last date to sign up in time to get drug coverage for this year. Anyone who's 65 or older, or who would qualify for Medicare because of a disability, should take advantage of Medicare's new benefit.

Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt says not only will seniors save money on their prescription drugs, but, they will also have the medications they need. Signing up for Part D takes three steps:

"Get the medication together. Second step, get your Medicare card. And the third step is call 1-800-Medicare � or www.medicare.gov. (10 seconds)

You may also ask a family member or friend to help you sign up, and if you know a senior, who may not have gotten the word, help them select a drug plan. It's an important moment for seniors that you care about and love.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: May 4, 2006

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